After Glacier upset, Greenchain stays at home against league rivals

After a surprising upset of defending Class AA champion Kalispell Glacier 46-30, Libby Greenchain wrestling is feeling good and was prepared for a double-meet against Whitefish and Columbia Falls on Thursday night.

Greenchain won seven of 10 contested matches, including pins by Zach Crace at 130, Skylar Higareda at 140, Austin Bailey at 171 and Zach Dolezal at 215.

“We’ve never really been able to compete with Glacier in my time here,” said Libby Head Coach Kelly Morford. “It had been a mental thing, mostly. “

Greenchain overcame the mental block of battling a larger school and dominated the Wolfpack.

Especially impressive was Garret Chapel’s 5-2 decision win at 152-pounds over Alek Mitchell, Morford said. Mitchell was an athlete capable of making waves in AA, and Chapel’s close win was a sign that he is turning the corner, Morford said.

The big win would be even more impressive if Greenchain could knock off Columbia Falls and Whitefish, conference rivals.

“Columbia Falls is always a battle. It’s a rivalry match,” Morford said. “Whitefish can’t be overlooked. It’s a different team than we’ve seen. They have lots of numbers.”

Pivotal battles will be at 119, with Libby’s Ian Edwards-Myslicki against C-Falls’ Kaleb Gravelin, and at 145 with Troy’s Ricky Roach against the Wildcats’ Chase Ramberg.

The matches began Thursday afternoon, but finished too late for Friday’s print.